Beyond Babel: BU Journal of Language, Literature and Humanities
Beyond Babel: BU Journal of Language, Literature and Humanities is a bilingual, peer-reviewed academic journal published by the Department of Languages and Literary Studies, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. The journal is devoted to the advancement of knowledge in the broad domains of English and French Studies, with emphasis on language and linguistics, applied linguistics, as well as the literatures and cultures of English- and French-speaking societies. Conceived as an interdisciplinary scholarly forum, the journal provides space for critical inquiry, theoretical engagement, and empirical research that illuminate the intersections of language, literature, and culture. By accommodating contributions in both English and French, Beyond Babel underscores the significance of linguistic plurality in the production and dissemination of humanistic knowledge. The journal seeks to represent high standards of academic scholarship while remaining accessible to a diverse intellectual community in the humanities and education. Its editorial orientation is toward rigorous peer review, methodological diversity, and cross-disciplinary dialogue, thereby ensuring that published works contribute substantively to ongoing debates in language and literary studies. Subject Areas Beyond Babel publishes research in the following subject areas: Theoretical and Applied Linguistics Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, and Semantics Pragmatics, Discourse Analysis, and Sociolinguistics Translation and Interpretation Studies Comparative Literature and World Literatures Postcolonial Studies and Cultural Theory French and Francophone Studies English Language and Literature Language Pedagogy and Curriculum Development Interdisciplinary Studies across Humanities and Education Publication Frequency Beyond Babel is published twice a year, with issues appearing in April and June. Each issue is made available in both print and electronic formats under Open Access, with every article assigned a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to ensure persistent citation and scholarly visibility. The journal is indexed in Google Scholar, Open Aire, Zenodo, Dimensions, and Garuda, thereby enhancing its global reach and academic impact. General Editors Prof. Mobolanle E. Sotunsa Prof. Oluwabunmi Idowu Editor-In-Chief Dr. Gift Ngozi Okata Editors Dr. Ezinwanyi Adam Dr. Kparou Cyril Dr. Kalejaiye Abiola Online and Production Editor Adebayo Akinsanya Atchrimi
Dynamics of Song Composition, Authorship and Plagiarism among the Tiv Oral Poets of Central Nigeria
This study explores the intricate dynamics of song composition, individual authorship and plagiarism among the Tiv oral poets in Central Nigeria. It extols how the Tiv people, known for their rich oral traditions and vibrant musical culture, have a long history of song composition and performance that reflect their unique identity and sensibilities. The disturbing evidence of plagiarism which often leads to acrimony among Tiv oral poets is the main thrust of this research. It aims at examining the cultural context of song composition, the concept of individual authorship, the prevalence of plagiarism and the consequence on song performance in Tivland.Bronislaw Maliknowski’s model of functionalism is employed as the analytical tool in this study. The findings reveal that there are evidences of plagiarism among Tiv oral poets which distorts originality in song composition. There are also no established copyright laws that specifically address song authorship, ownership, or plagiarism in Tivland. This absence of formal regulation complicates the resolution of disputes related to music rights. The study recommends that a legal framework that recognizes and protects the rights of individual Tiv oral poets, while respecting the collective and communal nature of music culture be put in place. The study hopes that the framework would help address disputes and provide guidance on issues of authorship and plagiarism.
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Evaluation Syntaxique du Roman "le Pain nu" de Mohamed Choukri
Cette étude, intitulée Évaluation syntaxique du roman Le Pain nu de Mohamed Choukri, s’inscrit dans le champ de la linguistique textuelle et de la stylistique fonctionnelle. Elle vise, d’une part, à analyser la manière dont l’écrivain s’approprie la langue française afin de produire une écriture littéraire ancrée dans une expérience africaine et autobiographique, malgré le fait que cette langue ne constitue pas sa langue maternelle. D’autre part, elle examine les caractéristiques stylistiques de l’œuvre ainsi que la portée esthétique et idéologique des choix syntaxiques opérés par l’auteur. L’analyse porte sur les structures phrastiques simples, composées et complexes, en mobilisant l’approche systémique fonctionnelle de Halliday (1985), notamment la métafonction textuelle. Cette perspective permet de mettre en évidence la manière dont les structures linguistiques participent à la construction du sens, à l’organisation du discours et à l’expression des intentions communicatives de l’auteur. Les résultats montrent que les écarts par rapport à la norme grammaticale du français standard constituent une stratégie stylistique consciente, traduisant une volonté de représenter la réalité sociale, la subjectivité du narrateur et la dimension orale du récit. Ainsi, la langue devient un espace de reconfiguration esthétique et identitaire, contribuant à une forme de libération linguistique et à la valorisation d’une littérature africaine expressive et authentique.
English Orthography: A Contributor to Spelling Difficulties of Young Dyslexic Learners in Nigeria
Dyslexia is a neurobiological disorder that causes reading and spelling challenges in affected individuals. It is incurable but the affected can learn how to read and spell if they undergo special intervention sessions. However, it has been discovered that despite undergoing intervention programmes, many of dyslexic learners of English continue to encounter difficulties with developing these language skills. The aim of this study is to discover if the orthography of English contributes to spelling challenges faced by dyslexics in Nigeria. Data were collected from English essay writing exercises of four dyslexic learners in three privately owned secondary schools in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Thirty-seven words that were wrongly spelt were selected from the learners’ essays and qualitatively analysed through the lens of Velluntino et al. (2004) Phonological Coding Deficit theory. Findings revealed that the misspelt words were those that reflected the inconsistency in English spelling patterns. The study concluded that the inconsistency in English orthographic system is a major contributor to the spelling challenges faced by young dyslexic learners in Nigeria.
Rapport Synergique entre la Littérature et L’histoire: d’Oran A Wuhan
Shakespeare ne disait-il pas que le monde est un théâtre. C’est ainsi que le monde se réveille au théâtre du bacille de la peste qui perdure six mois, de la fin de 2019 au milieu de 2020. Cet article vise donc en premier lieu à montrer la synergie entre l’histoire et la littérature ainsi qu’à démontrer la fonction cathartique et prophétique que peut assumer la littérature dans son rôle du monument social et culturel d’un peuple. Les chercheurs ont entrepris des recherches approfondies dans les bibliothèques et à l’internet pour se documenter afin d’avoir une connaissance vaste et variée sur le sujet. Ces recherches ont donné le résultat escompté leur permettant de structurer, d’ordonner et d’organiser leur recherche. L’article donne une note de vérité à l’assertion que l’histoire et la littérature se nourrissent mutuellement et que la littérature est le miroir de la société. Elle a également fait revivre l’histoire dans sa dimension sociale.
Copyright (c) 2024 Beyond Babel: BU Journal of Language, Literature and Humanities https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigating Masculinities Enactment and Its Psychological Undercurrents in Fugard’s “Master Harold”…and the Boys
This paper explores masculinities enactment in a racial environment where men are treated as second class citizens. Traditionally, men have been made to carry the guilt of the oppression of women as the narrative has always been that men are originator and promoter of patriarchy. From Feminists’ perspective, men have enjoyed patriarchal privileges that give them undue advantage over women. Women scholars have supported this narrative for a long time until recently when studies confirm that men enact masculinities at different hierarchical levels and have different statuses in terms of role exhibition. Situated in racial clime, men are, therefore, made to carry a double yoke of emasculation by circumstances that challenge their manhood and racial discrimination that further place upon them the burden of oppression in all spheres. Using a combination of Psychoanalysis and Masculinities as tools of analysis, the study employs a qualitative approach which involves a literary text analysis of Athol Fugard’s “Master Harold”…. and the Boys. Findings reveal that not all men are macho and capable of exhibiting masculine traits constructed for them as men in their social milieu. Again, the study discovers that not all men exhibit provider roles as husbands and fathers as some men are actually emasculated having lost their breadwinning masculine role to their wives and become irresponsible fathers. The experiences of the Blacks in South Africa under the oppression of racial discrimination confirm W.E.B Du Bois’ assertion that Black men in a racial environment are carrying a double yoke. It is. therefore, suggested that men enacting hegemonic masculinities should be conscious of other weak men made so by poor economic circumstance that incapacitates them. Black men in a racial environment should purge themselves of toxic masculinity associated with hypo-masculinity enactment and instead embrace pro-feminists notion of masculinity which promotes cooperation of sexes.
Voix Réduites au Silence: Une Exploration de la Marginalisation des Femmes dans la Politique Nigériane À Travers le Prisme de « Purple Hibiscus » de Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Cet article mène une analyse critique du roman « Purple Hibiscus » de Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie pour explorer la marginalisation des femmes dans la politique nigériane. À travers une perspective féministe, l'article examine comment les thèmes et les personnages du roman reflètent la dynamique de genre qui perpétue l'exclusion des femmes des processus de prise de décision politique au Nigeria. Il soutient que le roman met en lumière la manière dont les normes patriarcales, les préjugés culturels et les pratiques discriminatoires font taire la voix des femmes et limitent leur participation politique. Le personnage de Béatrice, une épouse timide et soumise, illustre les attentes sociétales placées sur les femmes, tandis que les difficultés de Kambili à trouver sa voix reflètent les défis auxquels les femmes sont confrontées pour affirmer leur action politique. Il explore également la façon dont le roman critique les normes culturelles et religieuses qui perpétuent l'inégalité entre les sexes, y compris l'attente de soumission des femmes et la restriction de leur autonomie. En outre, l'article examine comment le roman met en évidence l'impact du colonialisme et du néolibéralisme sur la marginalisation politique des femmes au Nigeria. L'article conclut en soulignant la nécessité d'un paysage politique plus inclusif qui valorise les perspectives des femmes et promeut l'égalité des sexes. En explorant les intersections de la littérature et de la politique, cet article offre une perspective unique sur la marginalisation des femmes dans la politique nigériane et propose des pistes pour promouvoir l’inclusion du genre dans les processus de prise de décision politique.
Femme Fatale and its Tragic Consequences in Wole Soyinka’s A Dance of the Forests
Femme fatale is one of the social constructions of womanhood. It conveys the deep-rooted idea that some women are intrinsically destructive by virtue of their exceptional and irresistible beauty. This study is specifically concerned with interrogating gender stereotypes that are often found in works of literature. This is why it investigates femme fatale and its tragic consequences in Wole Soyinka’s A Dance of the Forests. The methodology for the study is qualitative in nature and is hinged on Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic theory. The paper argues that the concept of femme fatale sits tangentially against the women while neglecting other factors such as male tragic flaw, inordinate desire, ambition, personal choices, ignorance, overwhelming influence and impetuosity on the part of the male gender which activate the seemingly destructive nature of femme fatale. The study reveals that, though the woman is a passive agent of tragedy and her beauty a catalyst for destruction, she is not entirely to blame for the tragedy of the men who are involved in relationships with her. Her charming beauty associates her with destructive tendencies but she cannot solely be the carrier of fatality without the contributing actions and personal choices of the men who usually are termed victims. The study recommends that the factors which facilitate the destructive nature of femme fatale should be taken into consideration in literary discourses so that the concept of femme fatale will not be restricted to the alluringly beautiful woman alone as the carrier of the fatality.
Kamau Brathwaite’s Environmental Sensibilities: An Ecocritical Reading of Born to Slow Horses
Postcolonial writers have taken time to explore the consequences of imperial expansion and colonialism on the environmental conditions of the erstwhile colonies. Impacts of postcolonial destruction are felt mostly in all the Caribbean Islands, which were built on plantation and land exploitation. These make Caribbean ecologies become area of interest to creative writers and critics from the region. While writers like Harris and Walcott have attracted praises for concentrating on Caribbean ecologies, little or no interest has been paid to Brathwaite’s works in this direction. The pertinent question is that: it is possible for a writer of Brathwaite’s knowledge of Caribbean history to omit such an important theme in his works as the history of this region is hardly separable from its environment? This paper is an ecocritical reading of selected poetry from Brathwaite’s collection Born to Slow Horses (2005). Three poems in the collection, “The Master of Mary Jones”, “Guanahani”, “Namsetura” and “9/11” were purposively sampled and examined. The poems were subjected to context analysis with the intent to foreground the poet’s concerns with nature and the environment. Braithwaite internationalizes his vision and treat the damaging effects of colonial and imperial activities around the world in continents far away from his Caribbean. The study reveals that Brathwaite’s vision is internationalised and the damaging effects of human interactions with environment become a global concern. This paper concludes that Brathwaite, like other Caribbean poets focuses on Caribbean and world ecology in his works. It is therefore recommended that other Brathwiate’s poetry is open to ecological themes and requires to be explored further in this wise other than those examined in this study and critics should therefore concentrate more on this theme while appreciating these works.
The Impact of Women in Northern Nigeria Novels: Reflections From Zaynab Alkali’s Cobwebs Andother Storiesand Abubakar Gimba’s Sacred Apples
For no fault of the women, society and men have come up with beliefs that have overtime been used to undermine the roles and status of women in society. In most cases, the women are described as the “weak’ and vulnerable”. This belief promotes the idea of patriarchy in society. Early literary writings in Northern Nigeria project patriarchy through the disdainful indifference and cruelty that the men characters subject the women characters to (if they ever appear). However, with the introduction of feminism as a literary ideology, conceptions on the roles and status of women began to change. The emergent trend as it affects the representation of women in subsequent Northern Nigeria novels is therefore, examined through Zaynab Alkali’s Cobwebs and Other Stories (1997). and Abubakar Gimba’s Sacred Apples (1994) This study focuses on the novelists’ use of feminism as an ideology to underscore the need for women liberation from the shackles of societal inhibitions and patriarchal domination that have continued to dwarf the potentials, abilities and capabilities of women in Northern Nigeria overtime. Indeed, that they have been described as mothers, housekeepers and house wives whose voices really do not matter in the scheme of things in society is what the contemporary literary works under this study have come to challenge.
Child Soldiers’ Vulnerability in David Hartness’ Amani’s River
The widespread issue of child soldiers in Africa has been a long-standing social problem that often receives inadequate attention. During conflicts, the rights of children and young people are massively violated, making them severe victims of armed strife. Their entitlements to live with dignity, receive support, and be protected from violence, abuse and neglect, as well as their ability to develop to their fullest potential, are usually hindered. Wars have led to the deaths of numerous innocent children, displaced countless families, and adversely affected many children who are active combatants, This study, therefore explores the vulnerability of child soldiers in David Hartness’ Amani’s River. Utilizing Caruth’s Trauma theory, the paper delves into the traumatic experiences of child victims, the impact of such experiences on them, and the coping strategies they adopt. The study discovered variations in the traumatic experiences faced by Aderito and Victoria highlighting the challenges each endures. It was also discovered that severe traumatic events faced by child soldiers can trigger emotional and psychological responses such as hyper-vigilance, jumpiness, intrusive imagery related to the trauma, repeated flashbacks, racing heart and trembling. The study showed that victims of armed conflict, when portrayed as narrators in literary works, can effectively recount the horrors and suffering associated with child soldering. It is recommended that literary authors use victims to tell their own stories.
The Phonological Analysis of English Front Vowels in the Spoken English of Selected Undergraduates of Federal University Wukari
This research analyses the English front vowels in the spoken English of selected undergraduates of Federal University Wukari. Therefore, 120 respondents were randomly selected. Giles and Coupland’s (Giles and Smith, 1979) Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) and Lado’s (Lado, 1957) Contrastive Phonology Theory (CPT) were used as the theoretical frameworks. CAT was used to determine the mutual phonological intelligibility and accessibility of the respondents while CPT was used to describe the systems of languages by comparing them with others and predicting the areas of difficulties so that the second language learners can ease the difficulties. Questionnaires and read-aloud task were the research instruments used for data collection. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents found it very difficult to correctly articulate the front vowels in the test items thereby pronounced ‘veto’, ‘liberation’, ‘jeopardise’, and ‘timbre’ as [vεto], [laibireiʃɔn], [dʒεpadaiz], and [timba] instead of /ˈviːtəʊ/, /lɪbərˈeɪʃən/, /ˈdʒepədaɪz/, and /tæmbǝ/ respectively. Also, respondents’ overall performance of 21.7% shows that they had problems in articulating the English front vowels pronouncing /i:/ as [ε], /ɪ/ as [u], /e/ as [i:]; and /æ/ as [i]. Hence, recommendations were made in a bid to better ESL speakers’ pronunciation proficiency.
LA MEMOIRE DE L'ESCLAVAGE COMME MATRICE DE L'HISTOIRE ANTILLAISE : UNE LECTURE CROISEE DE "LE QUATRIEME SIECLE ET TEXACO"
Cet article propose une lecture comparée de Le quatrième siècle d’Edouard Glissant et de Texaco de Patrick Chamoiseau en examinant la mémoire de l’esclavage comme matrice de l’histoire antillaise. Au-delà d’une perspective purement historique ou postcoloniale, l’étude intègre une approche psychanalytique, en particulier à travers les concepts de trauma, de mémoire refoulée et de fantôme. La mémoire de l’esclavage y est envisagée comme une blessure transgénérationnelle, transmise par les silences, les récits fragmentaires et les rêves. Dans Le quatrième Siècle, la lignée des Longoué et des Béluse tente de réinvestir une généalogie occultée, inscrite dans des espaces de résistance (les mornes) et dans une temporalité onirique, marquée par l’hallucination et la hantise. Glissant développe ainsi une « mémoire opaque » qui relève davantage de l’inconscient collectif que de l’archive. Chez Chamoiseau, la figure de Marie-Sophie Laborieux incarne une mémoire communautaire où le trauma initial de l’esclavage est intégré dans un processus de réécriture identitaire. Le quartier Texaco devient le lieu d’une reconstruction symbolique du moi collectif, analogue à une cure psychanalytique où la parole libérée agit comme catharsis. Les récits oraux, les écritures discontinues et les voix spectrales forment un tissu narratif où le passé, loin d’être dépassé, hante et structure le présent. Ainsi, la littérature antillaise, dans sa poétique de la créolité, propose une forme de traitement du trauma colonial par le récit, le mythe et l’imaginaire. This article offers a comparative reading of Le quatrième siècle by Edouard Glissant and Texaco by Patrick Chamoiseau, examining the memory of slavery as a foundational matrix of Antillean history. Moving beyond a purely historical or postcolonial perspective, the study incorporates a psychoanalytic approach, particularly through the concepts of trauma, repressed memory, and ghost. The memory of slavery is interpreted as a transgenerational wound, transmitted through silences, fragmentary narratives, and dreams. In Le quatrième siècle, the Longoué and Béluse lineage attempts to reclaim an occluded genealogy, inscribed in spaces of resistance (the mornes) and in a dreamlike temporality marked by hallucination and haunting. Glissant thus develops an “opaque memory” that pertains more to the collective subconscious than to any archival record. In Chamoiseau’s Texaco, the figure of Marie-Sophie Laborieux embodies a communal memory in which the foundational trauma of slavery is integrated into a process of identity rewriting. The Texaco district becomes a symbolic site for the reconstruction of the collective self, akin to a psychoanalytic cure where the liberated word acts as catharsis. Oral narratives, discontinuous writing, and spectral voices form a narrative fabric in which the past far from being overcome haunts and structures the present. Thus, Antillean literature, through the poetics of creolization, offers a form of working through colonial trauma via storytelling, myth, and imagination. KEYWORDS: Slavery memory, Trauma, Creolization, Spectra, Counter-history.
A Comparative Phonological Study of Ukwuani/Igbo and English Languages: Implications for Second Language Acquisition and Phonological Theory
The phonological challenges faced by Ukwuani/Igbo speakers learning English as a second language remain poorly understood despite Nigeria's multilingual educational context. Previous comparative phonological studies have largely overlooked understudied Niger-Congo dialects like Ukwuani, creating gaps in understanding tonal-to-stress language transfer patterns and limiting effective English as a Second Language pedagogy design. This study aims to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis of Ukwuani/Igbo and English phonological systems, identify specific areas of phonological transfer difficulties, to document unique Ukwuani phonological features, and to propose pedagogical implications for ESL instruction. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative comparative phonological analysis with quantitative acoustic measurements. Data were collected from 24 native speakers (12 Ukwuani/Igbo, 12 English) through structured investigation of 150 phonologically representative words and phrases. Acoustic analysis was conducted using Praat software, while phonological analysis employed Optimality Theory framework to examine constraint interactions and phonological processes. Significant phonological differences were identified: Ukwuani/Igbo exhibits six phonemic nasal vowels (versus English's allophonic nasalization), employs a three-tone lexical system (High 38%, Mid 35%, Low 27%) contrasting with English stress-timed prosody, and demonstrates implosive consonants (/ɓ/, /ɗ/) absent in English. Syllable structure analysis revealed Ukwuani/Igbo's preference for simple Consonant-Vowel (89% of syllables) versus English's complex consonant clustering (39% complex syllables). Transfer analysis showed 76% of Ukwuani speakers imposed tonal patterns on English words. These findings contribute to sound systems through comprehensive documentation of understudied Ukwuani features and provide empirical evidence for designing targeted pronunciation instruction in Nigerian ESL contexts. The study advances phonological theory by demonstrating constraint ranking patterns in Ukwuani that support universal grammar hypotheses while showing language-specific adaptations.
Étude Stylistique des Proverbes dans les Romans Maeva et Les nuages du Passé de Fatou Fanny- Cassé
Cette étude stylistique explore les romans Maeva et Les nuages du passé de Fatou Fanny-Cissé, en analysant les techniques à travers le cadre théorique du féminisme et du postcolonialisme. L'objectif est de démontrer comment l'écrivain utilise les proverbes pour répondre aux préoccupations stylistiques et révéler sa conscience artistique. Les romans de Fatou Fanny-Cissé sont des exemples rares de la littérature francophone contemporaine qui abordent des sujets actuels dans un contexte marqué par le manque d'originalité et l'influence de comportements ailleurs. Cette étude se concentre sur l’identification de la représentation des proverbes et des techniques narratives spécifiques, telles que le flux de conscience et la narration peu fiable, pour dévoiler les couches de sens imbriquées dans les textes. L'analyse nous révèle comment la langue, la structure et la voix narrative se conjuguent pour créer une expérience de lecture riche et stimulante. Cette étude contribue à la compréhension de la littérature francophone contemporaine et à mettre en évidence l'importance de l'analyse stylistique pour apprécier la vision artistique de cette écrivaine ivoirienne. En fin, cette étude met en lumière la prouesse artistique de Fatou Fanny-Cissé, explorant comment elle utilise les proverbes pour sensibiliser les jeunes et décourager les comportements indésirables dans les sociétés africaines, promouvant ainsi un avenir prometteur pour les jeunes Africains grâce à son approche stylistique distinctive.
A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF SELECTED FRENCH FAST FOOD ADVERTISEMENTS
Advertising is a powerful tool used by businesses to influence consumer behaviour, often through carefully crafted linguistic and visual strategies. This study applies Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine selected French-language advertisements for fast food, focusing on how language, imagery, and persuasive strategies influence consumer perception. Using Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework, five online advertisements were purposively selected and analyzed to uncover dominant themes and ideologies. Findings reveal that French fast food advertisements employ hedonistic appeals, cultural references, and branding strategies to build emotional connections. The discourse normalizes indulgence while downplaying health concerns. This study contributes to advertising discourse by providing insight into the persuasive power of language in shaping food consumption choices. It also contributes to the field of research in the language used in advertising fast food.
“Leave or Perish” Metaphorical Construct in Japa Discourse among Nigerian Digital Media Users
Migration is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a need to leave the current social community in search of a better place. However, the current trend in mass migration out of Nigeria, which is code-named japa, has raised concerns of many people, including scholars, because of its impacts on the country’s development. Though scholars have studied the causes and impacts of the current mass migration trend, enough scholarly attention has not been given to the use of language in describing and conceptualising the phenomenon in Nigeria, especially on the “leave or perish” metaphorical construct used by Nigerians while engaging in migration-related conversations. The aim of this study is to explain the “leave or perish” metaphorical construct in japa discourse among Nigerian digital media users in order to identify the metaphors and mental mappings in them as well as the impacts of such constructs on Nigerians’ decision to migrate. Data were collected from related conversations on Nairaland and qualitatively analysed through the lens of Lakoff and Johnson’s (2003) Conceptual Metaphor Theory. Findings reveal that the site users constructed positive metaphors about migration and negative metaphors about Nigeria. It was discovered that the metaphors about japa capture it as a zealous spirit, an investment, a divine intervention, a form of wealth creation, and an emergency, while Nigeria is reflected as a disaster, a dream killer, a punishment, and state of hopelessness. The study concluded the positive perception of migration and the negative perception of Nigeria are factors that can influence mass migration in the country.
Negation, Tense and Aspect in North-Western Edoid
Negation is a universal grammatical category, with no known language lacking a means to reverse the truth value of a sentence's propositional content. However, the morphosyntactic forms of negative markers, their interaction with other functional categories such as tense and aspect, and their positions within the clause exhibit significant cross-linguistic variation. This study investigates the interaction between negation and tense/aspect in two Northwestern Edoid language groups spoken in the Àkókó region of Òǹdó State, Nigeria: Àbèsàbèsì and Proto Òssé. The goal is to compare the syntactic and inflectional behaviour of negation in these languages in order to identify both shared and divergent patterns. Findings show that while habitual aspect in Proto Òssé, especially Ìs̩ùà, is inflected for negation, Àbèsàbèsì, employs a non-inflectional strategy. Moreover, whereas negative markers typically precede the verb phrase (VP) in other Northwestern Edoid languages, Àbèsàbèsì exhibits an unusual clause-final placement. To account for these patterns, the paper adopts the Minimalist Program, with insight from the Borer-Chomsky Hypothesis, and proposes that the negative head (Nego) in Àbèsàbèsì bears an Extended Projection Principle (EPP) feature. This feature triggers VP movement to the Specifier of Negation Phrase (Spec-NegP), leaving the negative morpheme stranded in clause-final position.
Culture and Self-Actualisation in Zulu Sofola’s Wedlock of the Gods and Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Ngugi wa Mirii’s I will Marry When I Want
This paper examines how cultural norms shape and sometimes hinder self-actualisation in African societies, using Zulu Sofola’s Wedlock of the Gods and Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Ngugi wa Mirii’s I Will Marry When I Want. Through African feminist theory; the study highlights how characters challenge patriarchal and neocolonial constraints in pursuit of identity and agency. Many times, characters adapt radical approaches as they strive for the pursuit of self-actualisation and personal fulfillment defiantly. It argues that culture acts as both an anchor of identity and a barrier to personal growth, calling for a critical review of cultural practices in light of evolving human rights and gender equity.
A New Historicist Analysis of Trauma in Morrison’s The Bluest Eye
This paper undertakes a New Historicist and Trauma Theory analysis of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye to explore the intersection of historical oppression and psychological suffering in African-American life. Positioned within the socio-political context of 1940s America, Morrison’s novel critiques systemic racism, internalised Eurocentric beauty ideals, and the myth of national inclusion. The research uncovers how Morrison weaves cultural history and personal trauma to expose the psychological consequences of racial exclusion, particularly for Black girls. By applying New Historicism, the research situates the novel as a cultural artefact reflecting racialised power structures. At the same time, Trauma Theory reveals how trauma is both lived and narrated through fragmentation, silence, and dissociation. The analysis highlights Pecola Breedlove’s descent into madness as emblematic of structural and symbolic violence, exposing how identity is shaped—and shattered—by internalised racism and socio-economic marginalisation. The findings show that Morrison challenges dominant national narratives by centring Black female subjectivity and memory. The paper concludes that The Bluest Eye is not merely a literary text but a radical intervention that calls for reimagining national identity and belonging. Its contribution foregrounds literature’s role in historical reckoning, cultural critique, and the pursuit of inclusive human dignity.
NATIONAL POLICY ON EDUCATION: AN EXAMINATION OF POLICY PROVISIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
This study examines the National Policy on Education: an examination of policy provisions and implications. The study adopted the Systems Theory and Implementation Theory. These frameworks provide a conceptual lens for analyzing the formulation, implementation, and implications of the National Policy on Education (NPE) in Nigeria. The study also highlights the role of institutional weaknesses and lack of effective monitoring in impeding the policy’s success. Empirical evidence suggests that despite high awareness of the NPE among stakeholders, compliance remains limited due to systemic constraints. Findings reveal that while the NPE is comprehensive, addressing universal basic education, language of instruction, teacher education, and technological integration, significant gaps exist between policy intentions and actual practice. Factors such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructural facilities, fragmented governance structures, and insufficient teacher training contribute to these implementation challenges. Furthermore, the policy’s language provisions, which emphasize mother tongue instruction in early education, face resistance due to sociolinguistic dynamics and the dominance of English as a medium of instruction. These findings underscore the need for strengthened institutional capacity, improved resource allocation, and enhanced stakeholder engagement to bridge the gap between policy and practice. Recommendations include increasing education funding, institutionalizing regular policy reviews, expanding teacher professional development, and fostering community involvement in education governance. By addressing these critical areas, Nigeria can better realize the goals of the NPE, thereby advancing equitable access to quality education and contributing to national development.
The Aesthetics of Community Theatre and Gender Construction in Selected Post-Apartheid South African Dramas
Gender discourse has always played prominent roles in human society. In the last three decades, discourses on gender inequality have continued to offer different writing engagements to writers across the regions of Africa. The representation of gender disparity is one of the key issues generated in the apartheid and post-apartheid eras. There have been various scholarly engagements across African Literature, but not much has foregrounded the relationship between gender and community theatre as reflected in the dramatic discourse of the Post-apartheid era in South Africa. The apartheid era resuscitated the urge towards the violence against women in the sense that the dehumanization of the male folks had effects on the treatment meted out to women in the homes and even on a larger sphere of existence. The Post-Apartheid era however attempted to re-establish the importance of the women by giving them a voice to authenticate their importance in the society. Generally, in African literature, gender inequality has also been on the forefront of literary discourse. While early male writers have not portrayed women in a seemingly good light, feminist critics have continued also to engage these misrepresentations of women in male authored texts. It is also in this light that female writers also have taken it up to address these patriarchal representations by depicting the women folk in a good light, in the face of socio-political and socio-economic woes bedeviling the African continent. A number of works have been done on the representation of gender (women, especially), generally in African literature. One of such socio-political cum economic issues is the apartheid regime in South African and its aftermath, tagged as Post-apartheid. The various theatrical experiments have culminated into a strong theatrical/dramatic tradition in South Africa. The aesthetics of Community theatre and gender reconstruction were thoroughly reflected in the study in order to ascertain their reflection in Post-apartheid South African drama. The changing roles of gender participation in the South African Africa were also examined and analysed through the two selected texts for the study - Brett Bailey’s Ipi Zombi? and Thulani S. Mtshali’s Weemen. The two texts were analyzed through the lens of the Feminist-Womanist theory in order to explicate the aesthetics of gender representation in the two selected texts. The findings of the study revealed that male authors of the post-apartheid era were trying to represent women in a positive dimension as a complement to the female authors who represented themselves and their struggles for acceptance and equality in their works. It was observed that male authors of the post-apartheid era portrayed women as objects of revolt against sexual fantasy that should be dealt with and as such, they are portrayed as victims of domestic violence, a theme reinforced through the use of language and dramatic techniques. The language and dramatic techniques also point in this direction.
UNE DÉCONSTRUCTION PSYCHOANALYTIQUE DE L’ÉTAT Z’HÉROS OU LA GUERRE DES GAOUS DE MAURICE BANDAMAN
Résumé Cet article propose une analyse psychanalytique du roman L’Étatz’héros ou la guerre des gaous de Maurice Bandaman, en mettant l’accent sur la représentation de la violence et ses effets psychiques sur les personnages. L’étude vise à identifier les manifestations du traumatisme, les mécanismes de défense et les pulsions inconscientes qui influencent les comportements des individus confrontés à la guerre et à l’oppression. À travers les interactions entre les personnages, l’analyse met en évidence des phénomènes de refoulement, de répétition traumatique et de pulsion de mort.Cette étude adopte une approche psychanalytique afin d’examiner comment les personnages du roman réagissent aux traumatismes et à la violence. La théorie de Sigmund Freud, offre des outils d’analyse pertinents pour comprendre les effets du refoulement, de la pulsion de mort et des mécanismes de défense dans la construction psychologique des personnages. Les résultats révèlent que la violence ne se limite pas à l’action narrative, mais s’inscrit profondément dans la psyché des personnages. Certains d’entre eux, victimes au départ, deviennent à leur tour bourreaux, illustrant un cycle de traumatisme non résolu. Le roman explore également la mémoire collective et le poids du passé dans la société post-conflit. L’auteur interroge la possibilité de résilience et de rupture avec la logique de la répétition. Cette étude conclut que la littérature joue un rôle fondamental dans la mise en lumière des séquelles psychiques de la guerre, en offrant un espace de réflexion sur les processus de guérison individuelle et sociale.
'Our government has made significant strides’: Legitimation Strategies and Appraisal Choices in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Speech on #Endbadgovernance Protest
Past studies on #Endbadgovernance protest in Nigeria have focused on the growing level of youth consciousness of their involvement in governance, perceived effect of the protest on academic staff and media representation of the protest to the neglect of how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu positively self-represent his administration in his speech on #Endbadgovernance protest. Thus, this paper examines legitimation strategies and appraisal choices in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech on #Endbadgovernance protest with a view to identifying the strategies and the appraisal resources in the speech. The paper adopted van Leeuwen’s (2008) legitimation theory and Martin & White’s (2005) appraisal theory which respectively account for evaluation and the linguistic resources. The data for the paper was retrieved online and excerpts were purposively sampled. Findings reveal three legitimation strategies in the speech namely, authorisation, moral evaluation and rationalisation. Personal and impersonal subcategories of authorisation together with the appraisal resources of engagement and attitude are deployed to legitimate the president’s authority and that of the constitution in restoring peace and invoking the constitutional right to mete out punishment to violators. Under moral evaluation, abstraction as well as the appraisal system of attitude, is used to project protest as a constitutional right and positively appraise the Tinubu-led government. However, analogy and evaluation, which are subcategories of moral evaluation and the appraisal choice of attitude are deployed to discredit the destructiveness of the protest. For rationalisation, explanation and goal are mainly used to positively appraise, through the system of attitude, the removal of subsidy and the Tinubu-led administration.
Masculinity and Heroism in Soyinka’s Reworking of Oral Epics
This paper examines Wole Soyinka’s depiction of masculinity and heroism through Yoruba oral epics, focusing on A Dance of the Forests, Death and the King's Horseman, and The Man Died: Prison Notes. Reworking traditional notions of male identity, Soyinka critiques indigenous and colonial constructions of masculinity, offering a sophisticated understanding of heroism. Using a feminist framework integrating masculinity studies and postcolonial theory, the study employs close reading and comparative analysis to examine themes of moral conflict, communal responsibility, and the interplay between myth and reality. Key findings reveal Soyinka’s deconstruction of physical strength as the primary marker of heroism, replacing it with psychological depth, wisdom, and responsibility. His critique highlights the limitations of patriarchal and colonial ideologies, advocating a model of masculinity grounded in ethical leadership and reform. The paper recommends incorporating Soyinka’s perspectives into gender and cultural studies, emphasizing their relevance to contemporary discussions on identity and power.
A SOCIAL CATEGORISATION STUDY OF ELNATHAN JOHN’S BORN ON A TUESDAY
This paper explores the themes of violence and rebellion in Northern Nigerian fiction, focusing on Elnathan John’s Born on a Tuesday. It addresses a significant gap in scholarship, as most studies on Northern Nigeria focus predominantly on fundamentalism and terrorism, without fully examining the underlying causes of these issues. Using Social Categorisation theory, as developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner, this study investigates how identity-based divisions contribute to societal violence. Social categorisation, both in society and literature, accounts for how individuals classify themselves and others into social groups, often leading to an "in-group" versus "out-group" mentality that fuels conflict. This research provides a fresh perspective on Northern Nigeria conflict by emphasising the importance of political influences, which are frequently overlooked in discussions of Boko Haram insurgency, religious intolerance, and neighbourhood violence. The study also challenges the redundancy in the exploration of John's text by offering a unique political analysis of the themes of violence and rebellion. It, ultimately, presents that John's proposed solutions advocate for unity by rejecting divisive social categories, in order to secure peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.
Arts, Humanities, Social Media and National Cohesion
This article explores the inherent interconnectedness between arts, humanities, and national cohesion in a conspicuous era of increase in globalization and digital exploration, as the dynamism in national cohesion continues to strive and evolve rapidly. The paper addresses the interconnectedness within the concept of discussion in shaping general identity and maintaining social bond of unity within various societies. Drawing from empirical facts and interdisciplinary scholarship, the article investigates the approach in which artistic expressions, digital interaction, and cultural aesthetic influence creativity and maintenance of national narratives and the sense of belonging. The literature review in article navigates through the theoretical framework surrounding national cohesion, while highlighting the important role of arts and humanities in articulating shared cultural heritage, collective memory and values. It further analysis the dynamic impact of social media platforms as facilitators of public interaction, political discourse, and cultural exchange, hence, influencing the contour of national identity formation in the digital era. With critical case studies and empirical illustrations, the paper elucidates the unique relationship between artistic issues, humanistic inquiry, and online interaction in promoting inclusiveness, empathy, and civic engagement. It further analysis the challenges and opportunities inherent in leveraging these media for promoting national cohesion, digital divide, ethical considerations, and proliferation of misinformation inclusive. Ultimately, the paper underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding and ensuring national cohesion in the globe. By embracing the synergies with arts, humanities, and social media, scholars, policy-makers, and professionals can nurture more resilient, values and collective aspirations.
National Cohesion and Digital Exploration
METAPHORICAL CONCEPTUALIZATIONS OF MATERNAL HEALTH IN SELECTED YORUBA ANTEPARTUM SONGS
Metaphors play a crucial role in shaping human understanding of abstract concepts by mapping them onto familiar, concrete experiences. In the context of health communication, particularly maternal care, metaphors become a powerful tool for conveying complex information in ways that are culturally significant and relatable. This study aims to examine the metaphorical conceptualizations embedded in selected Yoruba antepartum lyrics and explore how these metaphorical expressions reflect socio-cultural values concerning maternal health. Guided by Lakoff and Johnson’s (2003) Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), the study analyses ten (10) purposively *selected songs sung during antepartum sessions at the Gynecology and Midwifery Department of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta. The study reveals that Yoruba antepartum songs use metaphorical language to effectively communicate maternal health messages, thereby making complex health concepts more accessible and relatable to expectant mothers. The metaphors employed in the songs underscore important health practices like hygiene, nutrition, family planning, and immunization, and also reinforce deeply rooted cultural values and beliefs. Metaphors such as CLEANLINESS IS A WEAPON, PROTEINOUS FOOD IS CARE and HUSBAND AS SEED-BEARER/WIFE AS THE SOIL emphasise the importance of hygiene, nutrition and collaborative roles of spouses in reproduction. The study, therefore, concludes that Yoruba antepartum songs are effective, innovative and culturally sensitive means of promoting maternal health awareness and behaviour, as they blend traditional values and modern health practices.
ÉTUDE PSYCHOLINGUISTIQUE DE LA TRADUCTION ANGLAISE D’UNE SI LONGUE LETTRE (SO LONG A LETTER) DE MARIAMA BÂ
L’étude d’Une si longue lettre de Mariama Bâ est souvent restreinte à la remise en question du féminisme africain, de la culture africaine face au modernisme et de la remise en cause du sort de la femme africaine dans la vie conjugale. La présente recherche s’appuie sur l’étude psycholinguistique de la traduction anglaise d’Une si longue lettre de Mariama Bâ. Elle a pour but d’examiner l'impact de la traduction sur la perception psychologique et socioculturelle des lecteurs anglophones par rapport à ceux d’original, d’expliciter comment le choix des mots en traduction influence la réception émotionnelle et cognitive du texte dans la langue réceptrice, de décrire les départs et les rapprochements de la traduction des nuances psychologiques du langage de l’original du roman, d’expliquer comment l’émotion exprimée en français par l’auteure est transcodée à l’anglais par la Modupe Bode-Thomas. En passant par la théorie communicative de Peter Newmark, nous avons adopté l’approche textuelle en comparant l’original à la traduction, ce qui permet à une évaluation approfondie des aspects psychologiques vis-à-vis les tournures syntaxiques, sémantiques et socioculturels de la traduction. L’étude révèle les défis associés à la traduction des expressions psychologiques du français à l’anglais ; la difficulté de traduire le ton de détresse ; l’ambiguïté dans l’effort de préserver l'identité culturelle sénégalaise du français à l’anglais et la gestion des émotions transmises dans le texte original au sein psycholinguistique dans le texte récepteur. Cette étude conclue que la traduction psycholinguistique aide la bonne compréhension de l’état d’âme des personnages impliqués dans un texte du traumatisme. The study of Une si longue lettre of Mariama Bâ has often been centred on African feminism, African culture versus modernism and the plight of African woman in the matrimonial home. The current research is on the psycholinguistic study of the English translation of Une si longue lettre of Mariama Bâ. The objectives of the study are to : examine the impact of the translation of the text on the psychological and sociocultural perception of the English readers vis-à-vis the readers of the original text, foreground how the choice choice of words in translation influences the cognitive and emotional reception of the novel in the target language, describe the closeness and otherwise of the translation of the psychological nuances in the language of the original novel, explain how emotions expressed in French by Mariama Bâ are transcoded into English by Modupe Bode-Thomas. Using communicative theory of Peter Newmark, textual approach is adopted by comparing the original text with its translation. This helps in deep evaluation of the translation of aspects of psychology vis-à-vis the syntactic, semantic and sociocultural deployment of the translation. The study reveals the challenges associated with translating psychological expressions in French into English, difficulty in translating expressions of distress, ambiguity in conserving senegalese cultural identity presented in French into English as well as the management of emotions relayed in the original text and psycho linguistically ex-expressed in the target text. The study concludes that psycholinguistic translation aids better understanding of the state of mind of the characters of the trauma.
EVALUATING THE ROLE OF PHILOSOPHICAL FRAMEWORKS IN SHAPING EFFECTIVE ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of philosophical frameworks on assessment practices in higher education, specifically at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka. The research aims to identify the philosophical frameworks predominantly used by faculty members and examine their influence on assessment practices. Guided by four research questions, the study seeks to provide insights that can inform the development of more effective and cohesive assessment strategies. Employing a survey research design, the study targeted a population of approximately 250 lecturers; with a sample size of 150 participants selected through a combination of convenience and stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire consisting of 27 items was used for data collection, ensuring validity through expert consultation and reliability established at a coefficient of 0.88. Data were gathered via online and in-person methods, with 136 completed questionnaires analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's Rank Order Correlation, and F-test. The major findings indicated that constructivist frameworks are predominantly utilized among faculty members, significantly influencing their assessment practices. The study concluded that philosophical beliefs play a crucial role in shaping effective assessment methods and recommended the implementation of professional development programs focusing on educational philosophies. Additionally, fostering collaboration among faculty and establishing mechanisms for student feedback were identified as essential steps to enhance assessment practices and overall educational quality.
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POLITENESS STRATEGIES AS VIABLE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT APPROACH BETWEEN FULANI HERDSMEN AND VILLAGE SETTLERS IN OKE-OGUN AREA OF OYO STATE
The Oke-Ogun region of Oyo State, a significant agricultural hub, faces rising violence due to tensions between indigenous farmers and Fulani herders, which threatens the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While existing peace studies focus on fact-finding, this study investigates the role of language, particularly politeness strategies, in addressing these conflicts, by exploring how sociolinguistic resources are utilized. Brown and Levinson’s Politeness Theory was applied to interrogate how communication promotes understanding and reduces hostility between the groups. Fieldwork activities included interviews and observations in local government areas, engaging traditional rulers, community members, and Fulani herders. Analysis revealed that the identified conflicts stem from linguistic and non-linguistic factors, such as ideological differences, mythical beliefs, and environmental issues like desertification. Yoruba farmers dehumanize Fulani herders with animal metaphors, while Fulani view the Yoruba as passive. Myths, such as Fulani beliefs in plants for cattle fertility, fuel conflicts when herders graze on crops. Desertification exacerbates Fulani migration, increasing competition for resources. Politeness strategies, such as tact and agreement maxims, aid conflict resolution through blame-shifting, metaphorical language, collectivization, and indirectness. The conclusion is that these strategies, while promoting understanding, also support SDGs in food security and peaceful coexistence. However, deep-seated tensions and external influences may limit their effectiveness. Peaceful management of herders-farmers conflicts in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, requires a respectful approach with dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect through politeness principles. State and non-state agencies can play key roles by facilitating dialogue, promoting cultural understanding, offering conflict resolution training, and conducting research to identify root causes of such conflicts and support community-driven solutions for Sustainable Development Goals.
Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals
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